“... After the story is told, the hortatory section (135,4ff.) twice says what is proper behavior (―It is fitting‖ 135,4–15; 136,16–27)—sighing, weeping, hating ourselves and this place of deception, repenting with sincerity—and offers assurance that the father hears the penitent. Chains of Scripture (136,25–137,11; 137,11–22) support both points. In the second instance the Scripture quotations also summarize the whole theme of repentance and deliverance, both in terms of narrative. One is from Homer‘s Odyssey (Helen and Odysseus are figures of the soul‘s perilous journey through this world to her true home) and the other is from Israel‘s exodus out of Egypt (to prooftext the groveling which is de rigueur in Exeg. Soul ‘s piety: ―Certainly Israel would not have been visited in the first place, to be brought out of the land of Egypt … if it had not sighed to God and wept …‖). There are also single texts from Scripture: at the end of the narrative didactic definitions are coupled with quotations (134,4–5.11–25.29–135,4). ...”

“... Certainly Israel would not have been visited in the first place, to be brought out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, if it had not sighed to God and wept for the oppression of its labors. Again it is written in the Psalms (6:6-9), I was greatly troubled in my groaning. I will bathe my bed and my cover each night with my tears. I have become old in the midst of all my enemies. Depart from me, all you who work at lawlessness, for behold the lord has heard the cry of my weeping and the lord has heard my prayer.” If we repent, truly God will heed us, he who is long suffering and abundantly merciful, to whom is the glory for ever and ever. Amen. ...”